Both women were given the official time of 1:59:48. Per Steven Downes of Reuters, Olympic judges ruled the margin of victory for Spirig was about 15 centimeters.

Competition is rarely any closer than that, especially in this event.

To think such a grueling competition that lasts nearly two hours could come down to a finish like this is amazing. The perseverance and will to win that both of these women showed deserves a medal. But there will be only one gold medal handed out, and it belongs to Spirig.

She has won the European Championships and the World Championships in Madrid, but this was her first Olympic medal after finishing sixth in Beijing in 2008.

From a national standpoint the win was significant because it was the country's first gold medal in London. Tennis star Roger Federer had to settle for the silver, so this win makes Spirig the standout performer from her country.

Even if you're not a fan of the sport, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more exciting finish.

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